Help, my water is cloudy

This is a discussion on Help, my water is cloudy within the Saltwater Journals forums, part of the Aquarium Photography category; -->
ok i added 60lbs ocean direct live sand (original grade) in my 46gallon bowfront yesterday afternoon/evening and did NOT pre-wash it. i was told ...

ok i added 60lbs ocean direct live sand (original grade) in my 46gallon bowfront yesterday afternoon/evening and did NOT pre-wash it. i was told not to, and figured alot of benefitial bacteria would be washed away.now my waters cloudy and it appears the "dust" of the sand particles is gently sitting on the sand surface of my sand, i know the slightest water movement will just stir it up again, any ideas on what to do? (theres a 10gallon light, lighting the aquarium from the tank next to it, its just a temp.)

you can see the "dust" sitting on the powerhead and some foam

and finally theres foam on the top of my waters surface, should it be left alone or skimmed off? i was thinking this was some bacteria reacting?

Yes, remove the foam from the water surface. The cloudiness will settle down within 24 to 48 hours. For the first couple of weeks you will stir some of this up as you mess around in the tank, adding rock and decorations. No big deal.

I am surprised this sand was not pre rinsed more effectively. One of the biggest benefits of live sand is the ability to add it directly to your aquarium without clouding the water. I'm afraid your bag was the exception to the rule.